Abi government reveals reasons for suspending health commissioner

The Abia State Government has confirmed the suspension of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo.

In a statement on Tuesday, Information Commissioner Prince Okey Kanu said Okoronkwo had been suspended due to the “gross misconduct alleged against her.”

The statement reads in part: “The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti has approved the suspension of the Abia State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo.

“The suspension is intended to pave the way for an investigation into allegations of gross misconduct made against the commissioner.

“Governor Otti’s action is consistent with his policy of zero tolerance for misconduct of any kind and strict adherence to the twin principles of transparency and accountability in governance to ensure that the actions of appointees must at all times serve the welfare and well-being of Abians.

“The Abia State Government stands for good governance and the rule of law whereby persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, the administration carefully investigates and establishes facts regarding violations or misconduct detected through the internal monitoring and feedback system.

“In light of these developments, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeyinwa Kalu, will work with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Mrs. Ngozi Azodo, to manage the affairs of the Ministry on an interim basis, pending the outcome of further investigations into the allegations against Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo.”